It began with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in 1908. That song remains the unofficial anthem of the sport. But today, baseball’s soundtrack also includes “walk-up” songs – a segment of a song played when a hitter walks to the batter box. The songs help players get motivated and let fans know what genres and artists players prefer.

The History of the Walk-Up SongMost people believe walk-up songs began in the 1970s with Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust, who played live music during games. Now stadiums play recorded walk-up songs (but several also have organists, including the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals). In 1994, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Lenny Dykstra told the team which songs to play before his at-bats.

Now players find the music nearly indispensable, and picking the right music is crucial.

Just before the Major League Baseball playoffs began October 3, we asked teams headed for the playoffs to provide us with the walk-up songs their players identified this season. We compiled a list of songs that the most recognizable players in the postseason want to hear when they walk up to the plate.